Coding for the removal/excision, aspiration, or drainage of an ovarian cyst doesn’t have to be rocket science, especially if you know the truth when it comes to 4 ovarian cyst coding myths.

When you’re preparing to code for ovarian cyst removal, you should pay particular attention to the approach, whether it is vaginal, abdominal (open), or laparoscopic, says Celia Hernandez, CPC, certified coder at South Haven Community Hospital in Mich.

You can’t know approach unless you know the lay of the land. Learn more about ovary anatomy here.

For Laparoscopic Cysts, Look to Extent of Procedure

Myth #1: If your ob-gyn documents that he removed an ovarian cyst via a laparoscope, then you have all you need to choose what code to report.

Reality: For a laparoscopic removal of an ovarian cyst, you’ve got to dig deeper into your ob-gyn’s documentation...